Supermarket giant Kroger is looking to make quite an impact on Ohio sports betting.

The massive supermarket chain has submitted 42 Type C sports betting applications to the Ohio Casino Control Commission to host sports betting kiosks at 42 of its locations throughout the Buckeye State.

Potentially thousands of sports betting kiosks will be flipped on this Jan. 1 as Ohio undertakes the largest ever simultaneous launch of sports betting ever attempted.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

There is big news coming to the upcoming 2022-23 Big Ten football season (and NFL season). Ohio online sports betting and Maryland sports betting are on the way.

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Kroger making big Ohio sports betting push

The supermarket chain submitted applications for all 42 of its Ohio Lottery pre-qualified locations. Despite the markets being identified by the Ohio Lottery as appropriate locations for sports betting kiosks, it does not guarantee all of the locations will receive a license. The supermarket chain submitted its applications before the Aug. 16 deadline and will be able to launch its kiosks on the Jan. 1, 2023 universal start date.

Kroger is not the only supermarket chain in Ohio to receive prequalification. The Ohio Lottery pre-qualified nine Acme supermarkets and 63 Giant Eagles locations for licenses in the state.

In total, 1,254 locations have been pre-qualified in the state for Type C licenses.

Ohio Type C license details

According to the casino control commission, businesses that meet all the following requirements are eligible to host a sports betting kiosk:

  • Holds a valid D-1, D-2, or D-5 liquor permit.
  • Holds a valid lottery sales agent license.
  • Have a current recommendation for licensure by the Lottery.
  • Are a for-profit corporation or association.

Additionally, seven companies have applied for a Type C sports betting proprietor license. These companies will be able to provide sports betting kiosks to the approved sports betting kiosk host license holders.

  • Elys Gameboard Technologies, LLC 
  • Green Bear Gaming Development, LLC
  • Intralot Inc.
  • Skybox Sports Network Inc.
  • Iron Gate Gaming Inc.
  • J&J Ventures Gaming of Ohio, LLC
  • Gold Rush Amusements, LLC

Sports betting kiosks will give Ohio bars, restaurants, and liquor stores the opportunity to grab a piece of the Ohio sports betting market at a fraction of the cost compared with a Type A or Type B license holder.

Currently, 22 entities have applied for a Type A online sports betting license and 25 have applied for a Type B retail sports betting license.